Living with kidney disease is scary, especially when it progresses. Medications help control kidney disease, CKD, and other renal issues, but your diet can have a huge impact as well.
Eating superfoods for your kidneys is a great way to support their functionality. At Metro Renal Associates, our team of three experienced nephrologists offers a range of treatments and lifestyle tips for people with kidney disorders.
They provide a list of healthy foods to help manage high blood pressure, obesity, and other conditions that negatively affect kidney health.
The kidneys are essential organs on either side of your abdomen. They filter out waste products from the blood and regulate fluid volume. Kidney health is critical for overall wellness because the kidneys regulate many essential bodily functions.
When the kidneys don’t work properly, fluid becomes unbalanced, which leads to high or low blood pressure and fluid buildup in the legs and abdomen. It also causes electrolyte imbalances, which can be very dangerous.
Waste products also build up in the bloodstream, causing other illnesses and potentially requiring dialysis. Taking steps to keep your kidneys healthy is crucial to helping them function appropriately.
Feeding your kidneys what they need to stay healthy is crucial whether you’re living with kidney disease or not. But where do you start? Here are our seven favorite foods that are excellent for kidney health and wellness:
Hydration is essential for your body and for your kidneys. Water is generally your best option, but if you have kidney disease, unsweetened drinks without added ingredients are best.
Healthy oils offer crucial fats and support kidney health. Aim for oils like sunflower, avocado, olive, walnut, and flaxseed. These oils reduce inflammation and aid in overall health.
Unsalted nuts and nut butters are a great addition to a kidney-friendly diet. However, some have elevated potassium and phosphorus, so limit them if you have severe kidney disease.
A kidney-friendly diet includes healthy proteins like beans, chicken, fish, tofu, and eggs. Protein helps rebuild and repair muscle and supports other body functions essential for wellness.
Fruits are excellent for a renal diet because they provide essential nutrients without stressing the kidneys. Many fruits are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and healthy blood sugar levels.
Including a variety of veggies in your diet provides essential nutrients and fiber, which helps keep the kidneys healthy. Adding leafy greens, beets, cabbage, and broccoli is a great way to sustain energy and support immunity through healthy kidneys.
Carbohydrates support kidney health because they provide energy without straining them. When choosing carbohydrates, aim for whole foods instead of overly processed or sugary ones.
Just as some foods are great for the kidneys, others are best avoided. For instance, high-sodium foods are not good for the kidneys or the heart. Foods that are high in sodium cause fluid retention, which makes the kidneys work harder than normal.
People with kidney disease should also avoid foods high in phosphorus. When the kidneys aren’t working well, phosphorus builds up in the bloodstream. The body pulls calcium from bones to try to regulate it, which can lead to osteoporosis and other bone health issues.
It’s also important to avoid foods with elevated potassium. The mineral builds up in the bloodstream with unhealthy kidneys, leading to heart arrhythmias and even a heart attack. Foods high in potassium to avoid include bananas, tomatoes, and cooked greens.
To find out more about kidney disease and our treatments, call our Washington, D.C., or Capitol Heights offices, or visit our website to request an appointment online.
